Sodium channel modulators

ABSTRACT

The invention provides sodium channel modulating compounds which are useful for treating diseases or conditions associated with sodium channel activity, such as neuropathic pain. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of the present invention, as well as therapeutic methods comprising administering such a compound or salt to a mammal (e.g. a human).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/262,110, filed Jan. 16, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to novel compounds that bind to sodium channels and modulate their activity. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds to treat diseases associated with the activity of sodium channels, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.

BACKGROUND

Voltage-gated ion channels play a critical role in the electrical activity of neuronal and muscle cells. Large families of voltage-gated ion channels (e.g. sodium channels) have been identified. These ion channels have been the target of significant pharmacologic study, due to their potential role in a variety of pathological conditions.

For example, the activity of sodium channels has been implicated in numerous pathological conditions, including neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition associated with diabetes, chronic inflammation, cancer and herpes virus infection. An estimated 75 million people worldwide are expected to suffer from neuropathic pain by the year 2010. Unfortunately, current treatment options typically provide only partial pain relief, and are limited by inconvenient dosing and by side effects, such as somnolence, ataxia, edema, gastrointestinal discomfort and respiratory depression.

Thus, despite the limited success that has been achieved using sodium channel modulators to treat pain, there continues to be a need for novel agents and methods that are useful for treating neuropathic pain, as well as other conditions associated with the activity of sodium channels. Particularly useful agents may be more potent or cause fewer side effects than existing agents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides novel compounds that modulate (e.g. block) sodium channel activity. Accordingly, the invention provides a compound of the invention, which is a compound of formula (I):

R₁—O—R₂—X—R₃  (I)

wherein

R₁ is aryl;

R₂ is a group of formula (II):

wherein:

A₁, A₂, and A₂₀ are each independently alkylene or substituted alkylene;

n is 0 or 1;

R₇ is hydrogen, alkyl, or substituted alkyl; and

R₈ is NR₁₀R₁₁, wherein each of R₁₀ and R₁₁ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, or substituted alkyl; and

X is oxygen and R₃ is aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, heterocycle, alkyl, or substituted alkyl; or

X is a direct bond and R₃ is an N-linked heteroaryl or an N-linked heterocycle;

wherein any aryl of R₁-R₃ can optionally be substituted with from 1 to 5 substituents R_(g); wherein each R_(g) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxy, methanediol (—OCH₂O—), ethanediol (—OCH₂CH₂O—), cycloalkyl, substituted alkyl, substituted alkoxy, substituted cycloalkyl, amino, substituted amino, aryl, aryloxy, carboxy, carboxylalkyl (e.g. —CO₂Me), carboxyl(substituted alkyl) (e.g. —CO₂(substituted alkyl)), cyano, halo, nitro, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, heteroaryl and trihalomethyl;

and wherein any heteroaryl of R₂-R₃ can be optionally substituted with 1 to 5 substituents R_(h), wherein each R_(h) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, alkyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxy, substituted alkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, amino, substituted amino, aryl, aryloxy, carboxyl (—COOH), carboxylalkyl (e.g. —CO₂Me), carboxyl(substituted alkyl), cyano, halo, nitro, heterocyclic, and trihalomethyl.

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

A preferred compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (III):

wherein:

A₆ and A₇ are each independently alkylene or substituted alkylene;

each R₂₀ is independently halo, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxy, trifluoromethyl, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, NR₄R₅, or CO₂R₆;

R₂₁ is hydrogen, alkyl, or substituted alkyl;

each R₂₂ is independently halo, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, heterocycle, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxy, trifluoromethyl, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, NR₄R₅, or CO₂R₆;

y is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5;

z is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; and

R₄-R₆ are each independently hydrogen, alkyl, or substituted alkyl;

wherein any aryl of A₆, A₇, R₂₀-R₂₂ and R₄-R₆ can optionally be substituted with from 1 to 5 substituents R_(g); wherein each R_(g) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxy, methanediol (—OCH₂O—), ethanediol (—OCH₂CH₂O—), cycloalkyl, substituted alkyl, substituted alkoxy, substituted cycloalkyl, amino, substituted amino, aryl, aryloxy, carboxy, carboxylalkyl (e.g. —CO₂Me), carboxyl(substituted alkyl), cyano, halo, nitro, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, heteroaryl and trihalomethyl;

and wherein any heteroaryl of A₆, A₇, R₂₀-R₂₂ and R₄-R₆ can be optionally substituted with 1 to 5 substituents R_(h), wherein each R_(h) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, alkyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxy, substituted alkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, amino, substituted amino, aryl, aryloxy, carboxyl (—COOH), carboxylalkyl (e.g. —CO₂Me), carboxyl(substituted alkyl), cyano, halo, nitro, heterocyclic, and trihalomethyl.

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another preferred compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IV):

wherein:

A₈ and A₉ are each independently alkylene or substituted alkylene;

each R₂₃ is independently halo, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, heterocycle, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxy, trifluoromethyl, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, NR₄R₅, or CO₂R₆;

R₂₄ is hydrogen, alkyl, or substituted alkyl;

R₂₅ is alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, or heterocycle;

d is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; and

R₄-R₆ are each independently hydrogen, alkyl, or substituted alkyl;

wherein any aryl of A₈, A₉, R₂₃-R₂₅ and R₄-R₆ can optionally be substituted with from 1 to 5 substituents R_(g); wherein each R_(g) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxy, methanediol (—OCH₂O—), ethanediol (—OCH₂CH₂O—), cycloalkyl, substituted alkyl, substituted alkoxy, substituted cycloalkyl, amino, substituted amino, aryl, aryloxy, carboxy, carboxylalkyl (e.g. —CO₂Me), carboxyl(substituted alkyl), cyano, halo, nitro, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, heteroaryl and trihalomethyl;

and wherein any heteroaryl of A₈, A₉, R₂₃-R₂₅ and R₄-R₆ can be optionally substituted with 1 to 5 substituents R_(h), wherein each R_(h) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, alkyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxy, substituted alkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, amino, substituted amino, aryl, aryloxy, carboxyl (—COOH), carboxylalkyl (e.g. —CO₂Me), carboxyl(substituted alkyl), cyano, halo, nitro, heterocyclic, and trihalomethyl.

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another preferred compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (V):

wherein:

A₁₀ and A₁₁ are each independently alkylene or substituted alkylene;

each R₂₆ is independently halo, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, heterocycle, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxy, trifluoromethyl, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, NR₄R₅, or CO₂R₆;

R₂₇ is hydrogen, alkyl, or substituted alkyl;

R₂₈ is an N-linked heteroaryl or an N-linked heterocycle;

t is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; and

R₄-R₆ are each independently hydrogen, alkyl, or substituted alkyl;

wherein any aryl of A₁₀, A₁₁, R₂₆-R₂₈ and R₄-R₆ can optionally be substituted with from 1 to 5 substituents R_(g); wherein each R_(g) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxy, methanediol (—OCH₂O—), ethanediol (—OCH₂CH₂O—), cycloalkyl, substituted alkyl, substituted alkoxy, substituted cycloalkyl, amino, substituted amino, aryl, aryloxy, carboxy, carboxylalkyl (e.g. —CO₂Me), carboxyl(substituted alkyl), cyano, halo, nitro, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, heteroaryl and trihalomethyl;

and wherein any heteroaryl of A₁₀, A₁₁, R₂₆-R₂₈ and R₄-R₆ can be optionally substituted with 1 to 5 substituents R_(h), wherein each R_(h) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, alkyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxy, substituted alkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, amino, substituted amino, aryl, aryloxy, carboxyl (—COOH), carboxylalkyl (e.g. —CO₂Me), carboxyl(substituted alkyl), cyano, halo, nitro, heterocyclic, and trihalomethyl.

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Another preferred compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (VI):

wherein:

A₁₂ and A₁₃ are each independently alkylene or substituted alkylene;

each R₂₉ is independently halo, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, heterocycle, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxy, trifluoromethyl, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, NR₄R₅, or CO₂R₆;

each R₃₀ is independently halo, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, heterocycle, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxy, trifluoromethyl, cyano, nitro, hydroxy, NR₄R₅, or CO₂R₆;

R₃₁ is hydrogen, alkyl, or substituted alkyl;

R₃₂ is alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, or heterocycle;

r is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5;

q is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; and

R₄-R₆ are each independently hydrogen, alkyl, or substituted alkyl;

wherein any aryl of A₁₂, A₁₃, R₂₉-R₃₂ and R₄-R₆ can optionally be substituted with from 1 to 5 substituents R_(g); wherein each R_(g) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxy, methanediol (—OCH₂O—), ethanediol (—OCH₂CH₂O—), cycloalkyl, substituted alkyl, substituted alkoxy, substituted cycloalkyl, amino, substituted amino, aryl, aryloxy, carboxy, carboxylalkyl (e.g. —CO₂Me), carboxyl(substituted alkyl), cyano, halo, nitro, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, heteroaryl and trihalomethyl;

and wherein any heteroaryl of A₁₂, A₁₃, R₂₉-R₃₂ and R₄-R₆ can be optionally substituted with 1 to 5 substituents R_(h), wherein each R_(h) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, alkyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxy, substituted alkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, amino, substituted amino, aryl, aryloxy, carboxyl (—COOH), carboxylalkyl (e.g. —CO₂Me), carboxyl(substituted alkyl), cyano, halo, nitro, heterocyclic, and trihalomethyl.

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the invention and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The invention also provides a method of treating a disease or condition associated with sodium channel activity (e.g. neuropathic pain) in a mammal, comprising administering to the mammal, a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention. The invention also provides a method of treating a disease or condition associated with sodium channel activity (e.g. neuropathic pain) in a mammal, comprising administering to the mammal, a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of the invention.

The invention also provides processes and intermediates described herein, which are useful for preparing compounds of the invention.

The invention also provides a compound of the invention as described herein for use in medical therapy, as well as the use of a compound of the invention in the manufacture of a formulation or medicament for treating a disease or condition associated with sodium channel activity (e.g. neuropathic pain) in a mammal.

Preferred compounds of the invention are the compounds of formulas I and III-VI shown in Tables I-XI below.

TABLE I Preferred Compounds of Formula I Compound Structure 1

TABLE II Preferred Compounds of Formula I

Compound R₂ 2

3

4

TABLE III Preferred Compounds of Formula I

Compound R₁ R₃ 5

6

TABLE IV Preferred Compounds of Formula I

Compound R₁ R₃ 7 2,6-dimethylphenyl 2,6-dimethylphenyl 8 2-methylphenyl 2-methylphenyl 9 2,4-dimethylphenyl 2,4-dimethylphenyl

TABLE V Preferred Compounds of Formula I

Compound R₃ 10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

TABLE VI Preferred Compounds of Formula I

Compound R₃ 18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

TABLE VII Preferred Compounds of Formula I

Compound R₃ 30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

TABLE VIII Preferred Compounds of Formula I

Com- pound R₃ 47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

71

72

73

92

TABLE IX Preferred Compounds of Formula VI

Compound R₃₂ 74

75

76

77

78

79

80

TABLE X Preferred Compounds of Formula VI

Compound R₃₂ 81

82

83

84

TABLE XI Preferred Compounds of Formula VI

Compound R₃₂ 85

86

87

88

89

90

91

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following terms have the following meanings unless otherwise indicated. Any undefined terms have their art recognized meanings.

The term “alkyl” refers to a monoradical branched or unbranched saturated hydrocarbon chain preferably having from 1 to 40 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms. This term is exemplified by groups such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, -butyl, iso-butyl, n-hexyl, n-decyl, tetradecyl, and the like.

The term “substituted alkyl” refers to an alkyl group as defined above wherein one or more carbon atoms in the alkyl chain have been replaced with a heteroatom such as —O—, —NR— (where R is hydrogen or alkyl), or —NRR— (where each R is independently hydrogen or alkyl) and/or wherein the alkyl group is substituted with from 1 to 5 substituents selected from the group consisting of cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, carboxylalkyl (e.g. —CO₂Me), carboxyl(substituted alkyl), cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto (═O), carboxyl (COOH), aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, nitro, and —NR^(a)R^(b), wherein R^(a) and R^(b) may be the same or different and are chosen from hydrogen, alkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclealkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and heterocyclic. This term is exemplified by groups such as hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl, 2-aminoethyl, 3-aminopropyl, 2-methylaminoethyl, 3-dimethylaminopropyl, 2-carboxyethyl, and the like.

The term “alkylene” refers to a diradical of a branched or unbranched saturated hydrocarbon chain, preferably having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms and even more preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms. This term is exemplified by groups such as methylene (—CH₂—), the propylene isomers (e.g., —CH₂CH₂CH₂— and —CH(CH₃)CH₂—), ethylene (—CH₂CH₂—), 1,1-ethanediyl (—CH(CH₃)—), and the like.

The term “substituted alkylene” refers to an alkylene group, as defined above, wherein the chain is interrupted with one or more non-peroxide oxy (—O—) and/or wherein the alkyl group is substituted with from 1 to 5 substituents, and preferably 1 to 3 substituents, selected from the group consisting of cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, amino, substituted amino, cyano, halogen, hydroxy, keto (═O), carboxyl, carboxylalkyl, carboxyl(substituted alkyl), aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, heterocyclooxy, hydroxyamino, alkoxyamino, and nitro. Additionally, such substituted alkylene groups include those where 2 substituents on the alkylene group are fused to form one or more cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, aryl, heterocyclic or heteroaryl groups fused to the alkylene group. Preferably such fused groups contain from 1 to 3 fused ring structures.

The term “alkoxy” refers to the groups alkyl—O—, where alkyl is as defined herein. Preferred alkoxy groups include, by way of example, methoxy, ethoxy, -propoxy, iso-propoxy, n-butoxy, tert-butoxy, sec-butoxy, n-pentoxy, n-hexoxy, 1,2-dimethylbutoxy, and the like.

The term “substituted alkoxy” refers to the group (substituted alkyl)—O—, where substituted alkyl is as defined herein.

The term “aryl” refers to a monovalent unsaturated aromatic carbocyclic group which may be monocyclic or multicyclic (i.e., fused). Such aryl groups preferably contain from 6 to 20 carbon atoms; more preferably, from 6 to 10 carbon atoms. This term also includes aryl groups fused to a cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, or heterocyclyl group in which the point of attachment is on the aromatic (aryl) portion of the group. Representative aryl groups include, by way of example, phenyl, napthyl, azulenyl, indan-5-yl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphth-6-yl, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl and the like. Preferred aryl substituents R_(g) include alkyl, methanediol, ethanediol, alkoxy, halo, cyano, nitro, and trihalomethyl.

The term “aryloxy” refers to the group aryl—O— wherein the aryl group is as defined above including optionally substituted aryl groups as also defined above.

The term “amino” refers to the group —NH₂.

The term “substituted amino” refers to the group —NRR where each R is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and heterocyclic provided that both R's are not hydrogen.

The term “hydroxamino” refers to the group —NR^(c)R^(d), wherein R^(c) is hydroxy and each R^(d) is independently hydrogen or alkyl.

The term “alkoxamino” refers to the group —NR^(e)R^(f), wherein R^(e) is alkoxy and R^(f) is hydrogen or alkyl.

The term “cycloalkyl” refers to alkyl groups of from 3 to 20 carbon atoms comprising a single carbocyclic ring or multiple condensed carbocyclic rings. Such cycloalkyl groups include, by way of example, single ring structures such as cyclopropyl, methylcyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, dimethylcyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclooctyl, and the like, or multiple ring structures such as adamantanyl, and the like.

The term “substituted cycloalkyl” refers to cycloalkyl groups having from 1 to 5 substituents, and preferably 1 to 3 substituents, selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxy, cycloalkyl, amino, substituted amino, cyano, halogen, hydroxy, keto, carboxy, carboxylalkyl (e.g. —CO₂Me), carboxyl(substituted alkyl), aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, heteroaryloxy, heterocyclic, hydroxyamino, and nitro.

The term “cycloalkoxy” refers to the group cycloalkyl—O—, where cycloalkyl is as defined herein. Preferred cycloalkoxy groups include, by way of example, cyclopentyloxy and cyclohexyloxy, and the like.

The term “substituted cycloalkoxy” refers to the group (substituted cycloalkyl)—O—, where substituted cycloalkyl is as defined herein.

The term “halo” refers to fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo.

The term “trihalomethyl” includes trifluoromethyl and trichloromethyl.

The term “heteroaryl” refers to a monovalent aromatic group which contains at least one heteroatom, preferably 1 to 4 heteroatoms, selected from N, S and O within at least one aromatic ring and which may be monocyclic or multicyclic (i.e., fused). Such heteroaryl groups preferably contain from 5 to 20 atoms; more preferably, from 5 to 10 atoms. This term also include such a heteroaryl group fused to a cycloalkyl, aryl, or heterocyclyl group, provided the point of attachment is on a heteroatom-containing aromatic ring. Representative heteroaryl groups include, by way of example, pyrroyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridyl, oxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, furanyl, triazinyl, thienyl, pyrimidyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, benzoxazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, quinolyl, indolyl, isoquinolyl and the like. Preferred heteroaryl substituents R_(h) include alkyl, alkoxy, halo, cyano, nitro, and trihalomethyl.

The term “heterocycle” refers to a monovalent saturated or partially unsaturated cyclic non-aromatic group which contains at least one heteroatom, preferably 1 to 4 heteroatoms, selected from nitrogen (NR_(x), wherein R_(x) is hydrogen, alkyl, or a direct bond at the point of attachment of the heterocycle group), sulfur, phosphorus, and oxygen within at least one cyclic ring and which may be monocyclic or multicyclic. Such heterocycle groups preferably contain from 3 to 20 atoms; more preferably, from 3 to 10 atoms. The point of attachment of the heterocycle group may be a carbon or nitrogen atom. This term also includes heterocycle groups fused to an aryl or heteroaryl group, provided the point of attachment is on a non-aromatic heteroatom-containing ring. Representative heterocycle groups include, by way of example, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, imidazolidinyl, morpholinyl, indolin-3-yl, 2-imidazolinyl, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-yl, quinuclidinyl and the like. Unless otherwise constrained by the definition for heterocycle, such heterocycle groups can be optionally substituted with 1 to 5, and preferably 1 to 3 substituents, selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxy, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, amino, substituted amino, cyano, halogen, hydroxyl, keto, carboxyl, carboxylalkyl (e.g. —CO₂Me), carboxyl(substituted alkyl), aryl, aryloxy, heteroaryl, hydroxyamino, and nitro. Such heterocyclic groups can have a single ring or multiple condensed rings. Preferred heterocyclics include morpholino, piperidinyl, and the like.

The term “heteroarylalkyl” refers to an alkyl group as defined herein, which is substituted with from 1 to 5 (preferably 1) heteroaryl groups. Such groups are exemplified by pyridylmethyl, pyridylethyl, indolylmethyl, and the like.

The term “arylalkyl” refers to an alkyl group as defined herein, which is substituted with from 1 to 5 (preferably 1) aryl groups. Such groups are exemplified by benzyl, phenethyl, and 3-phenylpropyl.

The term “heterocyclealkyl” refers to an alkyl group as defined herein, which is substituted with from 1 to 5 (preferably 1) heterocycle groups. Such groups are exemplified by piperidinomethyl, morpholinomethyl, morpholinoethyl, piperidinomethyl, 4-morphilinylmethyl, and 2-(4-morpholinyl)ethyl, and the like.

Examples of nitrogen heteroaryls and heterocycles include, but are not limited to, pyrrole, thiophene, furan, imidazole, pyrazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, indolizine, isoindole, indole, indazole, purine, quinolizine, isoquinoline, quinoline, phthalazine, naphthylpyridine, quinoxaline, quinazoline, cinnoline, pteridine, carbazole, carboline, phenanthridine, acridine, phenanthroline, isothiazole, phenazine, isoxazole, phenoxazine, phenothiazine, imidazolidine, imidazoline, pyrrolidine, piperidine, piperazine, indoline, morpholine, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothiophene, and the like as well as N-alkoxy-nitrogen containing heterocycles.

The term “N-linked heteroaryl” refers to a heteroaryl, as defined herein, which is linked to the remaining portion of the molecule through a nitrogen atom of an aromatic ring.

The term “N-linked heterocycle” refers to a heterocycle, as defined herein, which is linked to the remaining portion of the molecule through a nitrogen atom of a non-aromatic heteroatom-containing ring.

As to any group defined herein which contains one or more substituents, it is understood, of course, that such groups do not contain any substitution or substitution patterns which are sterically impractical, synthetically non-feasible and/or sufficiently liable to have no utility. In addition, the compounds of this invention include all stereochemical isomers arising from the substitution of these compounds.

Unless specified otherwise, all ranges referred to herein include the stated end-point values.

The term “therapeutically effective amount” refers to an amount sufficient to effect treatment when administered to a patient in need of treatment.

The term “treatment” as used herein refers to the treatment of a disease or medical condition in a patient, such as a mammal (particularly a human) which includes:

(a) preventing the disease or medical condition from occurring, i.e., prophylactic treatment of a patient;

(b) ameliorating the disease or medical condition, i.e., eliminating or causing regression of the disease or medical condition in a patient;

(c) suppressing the disease or medical condition, i.e., slowing or arresting the development of the disease or medical condition in a patient; or

(d) alleviating the symptoms of the disease or medical condition in a patient.

The phrase “disease or condition associated with sodium channel activity” includes all disease states and/or conditions that are acknowledged now, or that are found in the future, to be associated with the activity of sodium channels. Such disease states include, but are not limited to, pathophysiological disorders, including hypertension, cardiac arrhythmogenesis, insulin-dependent diabetes, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, seizures, tachycardia, ischemic heart disease, cardiac failure, angina, myocardial infarction, transplant rejection, autoimmune disease, sickle cell anemia, muscular dystrophy, gastrointestinal disease, mental disorder, sleep disorder, anxiety disorder, eating disorder, neurosis, alcoholism, inflammation, cerebrovascular ischemia, CNS diseases, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, asthma, incontinence, urinary dysfunction, micturition disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, restenosis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, Alzheimer disease, drug dependence/addiction, schizophrenia, Huntington's chorea, tension-type headache, trigeminal neuralgia, cluster headache, migraine (acute and prophylaxis), inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain and depression.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable salt” means those salts which retain the biological effectiveness and properties of the parent compounds and which are not biologically or otherwise harmful as the dosage administered. The compounds of this invention are capable of forming both acid and base salts by virtue of the presence of amino and carboxy groups respectively.

Pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts may be prepared from inorganic and organic bases. Salts derived from inorganic bases include, but are not limited to, the sodium, potassium, lithium, ammonium, calcium, and magnesium salts. Salts derived from organic bases include, but are not limited to, salts of primary, secondary and tertiary amines, substituted amines including naturally-occurring substituted amines, and cyclic amines, including isopropylamine, trimethyl amine, diethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, ethanolamine, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, tromethamine, lysine, arginine, histidine, caffeine, procaine, hydrabamine, choline, betaine, ethylenediamine, glucosamine, N-alkylglucamines, theobromine, purines, piperazine, piperidine, and N-ethylpiperidine. It should also be understood that other carboxylic acid derivatives would be useful in the practice of this invention, for example carboxylic acid amides, including carboxamides, lower alkyl carboxamides, di(lower alkyl) carboxamides, and the like.

Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts may be prepared from inorganic and organic acids. Salts derived from inorganic acids include hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid and the like. Salts derived from organic acids include acetic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, salicylic acid and the like.

The compounds of the invention may contain one or more chiral centers. Accordingly, the invention includes racemic mixtures, diasteromers, enantiomers and mixture enriched in one or more steroisomer. The scope of the invention as described and claimed encompasses the racemic forms of the compounds as well as the individual enantiomers and non-racemic mixtures thereof.

Specific and preferred values listed below for radicals, substituents, and ranges, are for illustration only; they do not exclude other defined values or other values within defined ranges for the radicals and substituents.

Specifically, R₁, can be aryl optionally substituted with one or more halo or alkyl.

Specifically, R₁ can be phenyl optionally substituted with about 1 to about 3 halo and/or alkyl.

Specifically, halo can be fluoro or chloro.

Specifically, alkyl can be methyl.

Specifically, aryl can be phenyl.

Specifically, R₁ is 2-methylphenyl, 2-chloro-6-methylphenyl, 2,4,6-trifluorophenyl, 2,6-dimethylphenyl, or 2,4-dimethylphenyl.

Specifically, A₁-A₁₃ and A₂₀ can be alkylene or substituted alkylene having from about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms.

Specifically, A₁-A₁₃ and A₂₀ can be alkylene or substituted alkylene having from about 1 to about 3 carbon atoms.

Specifically, A₁ can be methylene or 1,1-ethanediyl.

Specifically, A₂ can be methylene.

Specifically, R₇ can be hydrogen.

Specifically, R₇ can be methyl.

Specifically, R₈ can be amino.

Specifically, n can be 0.

Specifically, R₁₀ can be hydrogen.

Specifically, R₁₁ can be hydrogen.

Specifically, R₁₁ can be heterocyclealkyl, heteroarylalkyl, or alkyl.

Specifically, R₁₁ is 2-morpholinoethyl, 2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl, 4-piperidinylmethyl, 3-(N,N-dimethylamino)propyl, 2-(1-methyl-pyrrolidin-2-yl)ethyl, 2-(4-pyridyl)ethyl, or 3-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl.

Specifically, R₂ can be a group of the formula:

A specific group of compounds are compounds of formula (I) wherein X is a direct bond and R₃ is 3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl, 2-phenylimidazol-1-yl, 2-ethylimidazol-1-yl, 1-benzimidazolyl, 4-(methoxycarbonyl)imidazol-1-yl, 4-methyl-2-ethylimidazol-1-yl, or 4-phenyl-1-imidazol-1-yl.

A specific group of compounds are compounds of formula (I) wherein X is oxygen and R₃ is 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 2-thien-2-ylethyl, 4-methylbenzyl, 4-methoxyphenethyl, 4-methylphenethyl, 3-(benzyloxy)propyl, 2-[3-(6-methylpyrid-2-yl)propyloxy]ethyl, 2-(ethoxy)ethyl, 3-(ethoxy)propyl, benzyl, cyclopropylmethyl, 4-(butoxy)benzyl, 2-(cyclohexyloxy)ethyl, pentyl, 3-phenylpropyl, 2-[2-(ethoxy)ethoxy]ethyl, 2-phenylbenzyl, 3-(N,N-dimethyl)propyl, 3-(ethoxy)propyl, tert-butyl, 2-(phenoxy)ethyl, 2-(pyrid-4-yl)ethyl, 2-methylphenyl, 2-chloro-6-methylphenyl, 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, 2,6-dimethylphenyl, 2,4-dimethylphenyl, 3,4-methylenedioxy)benzyl, 3-(pyrid-3-yl)propyl, or 4-(N,N-dimethyl)phenethyl.

A specific group of compounds are compounds of formula (I) wherein A₁ is methylene or 1,1-ethanediyl, and A₂ is methylene.

A specific group of compounds are compounds of formula (I) wherein R₈ is NR₁₀R₁₁; and R₁₁ is heterocyclealkyl, heteroarylalkyl, or alkyl.

A specific group of compounds are compounds of formula (I) wherein R₈ is NR₁₀R₁₁; R₁₀ is hydrogen; and R₁₁ is 2-morpholinoethyl, 2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl, 4-piperidinylmethyl, 3-(N,N-dimethylamino)propyl, 2-(1-methyl-pyrrolidin-2-yl)ethyl, 2-(4-pyridyl)ethyl, or 3-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl.

Specifically, A₆ can be methylene or 1,1-ethanediyl.

Specifically, A₇ can be methylene.

Specifically, each R₂₀ can independently be alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cyano, trifluoromethyl, halo, or NR₄R₅.

Specifically, R₂₁ can be hydrogen or methyl.

Specifically, each R₂₂ can independently be alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cyano, trifluoromethyl, halo, or NR₄R₅.

A specific group of compounds are compounds of formula (III) wherein A₆ is methylene or 1,1-ethanediyl and A₇ is methylene.

Specifically, A₈ can be methylene.

Specifically, A₉ can be methylene.

Specifically, each R₂₃ can independently be alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cyano, trifluoromethyl, halo, or NR₄R₅.

Specifically, R₂₄ can be hydrogen or methyl.

Specifically, R₂₅ is 2-morpholinoethyl, 2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl, 4-piperidinylmethyl, 3-(N,N-dimethylamino)propyl, 2-(1-methyl-pyrrolidin-2-yl)ethyl, 2-(4-pyridyl)ethyl, 3-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl, 2-[2-(ethoxy)ethoxy]ethyl, 3-(ethoxy)propyl, benzyl, cyclopropylmethyl, 2-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)ethyl, 2-(pyrid-4-yl)ethyl, pentyl, 3-phenylpropyl, 3,4-(methylenedioxy)benzyl, 3-(pyrid-3-yl)propyl, 4-(N,N-dimethyl)phenethyl, 4-(butoxy)benzyl, 2-(cyclohexyloxy)ethyl, 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 2-(thien-2-yl)ethyl, 4-methylbenzyl, 2-phenylbenzyl, 3-(N,N-dimethyl)propyl, tert-butyl, 2-(phenoxy)ethyl, 2-[3-(6-methylpyrid-2-yl)propyloxy]ethyl, 2-(ethoxy)ethyl, 4-methoxyphenethyl, 4-methylphenethyl, or 3-(benzyloxy)propyl.

A specific group of compounds are compounds of formula (IV) wherein A₈ is methylene and A₉ is methylene.

Specifically, A₁₀ can be methylene.

Specifically, A₁₁ can be methylene.

Specifically, each R₂₆ can independently be alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cyano, trifluoromethyl, halo, or NR₄R₅.

Specifically, R₂₇ can be hydrogen or methyl.

Specifically, R₂₈ can be 3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl, 2-phenylimidazol-1-yl, 2-ethylimidazol-1-yl, 1-benzimidazolyl, 4-(methoxycarbonyl)imidazol-1-yl, 4-methyl-2-ethylimidazol-1-yl, or 4-phenylimidazol-1-yl.

A specific group of compounds are compounds of formula (V) wherein A₁₀ is methylene and A₁₁ is methylene.

Specifically, A₁₂ can be methylene or 1,1-ethanediyl.

Specifically, A₁₃ can be methylene.

Specifically, each R₂₉ can independently be alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cyano, trifluoromethyl, halo, or NR₄R₅.

Specifically, each R₃₀ can independently be alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, cyano, trifluoromethyl, halo, or NR₄R₅.

Specifically, R₃₁ can be hydrogen or methyl.

Specifically, R₃₂ is 2-morpholinoethyl, 2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl, 4-piperidinylmethyl, 3-(N,N-dimethylamino)propyl, 2-(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-yl)ethyl, 2-(4-pyridyl)ethyl, or 3-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propyl.

A specific group of compounds are compounds of formula (VI) wherein A₁₂ is methylene or 1,1-ethanediyl, and A₁₃ is methylene.

General Synthetic Procedures

Generally, the compounds of the invention can be prepared using procedures that are known in the field of synthetic chemistry. Additionally, the Examples below describe the preparation of representative compounds of the invention. It will be appreciated that where typical or preferred process conditions (i.e., reaction temperatures, times, mole ratios of reactants, solvents, pressures, etc.) are given, other process conditions can also be used unless otherwise stated. Optimum reaction conditions may vary with the particular reactants or solvent used, but such conditions can be determined by one skilled in the art by routine optimization procedures.

Additionally, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, conventional protecting groups may be necessary to prevent certain functional groups from undergoing undesired reactions. The choice of a suitable protecting group for a particular functional group, as well as suitable conditions for protection and deprotection, are well known in the art. For example, numerous protecting groups, and their introduction and removal, are described in T. W. Greene and G. M. Wuts, Protecting Groups in Organic Synthesis, Third Edition, Wiley, New York, 1999, and references cited therein.

Processes for preparing compounds of formulas I and III-VI are provided as further embodiments of the invention and are illustrated in the examples and schemes.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of the invention. Accordingly, the compound, preferably in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, can be formulated for oral or parenteral administration for the therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of diseases or conditions associated with sodium channel activity.

By way of illustration, the compound can be admixed with conventional pharmaceutical carriers and excipients and used in the form of tablets, capsules, elixirs, suspensions, syrups, wafers, and the like. Such pharmaceutical compositions will contain from about 0.1 to about 90% by weight of the active compound, and more generally from about 10 to about 30%. The pharmaceutical compositions may contain common carriers and excipients, such as corn starch or gelatin, lactose, sucrose, microcrystalline cellulose, kaolin, mannitol, dicalcium phosphate, sodium chloride, and alginic acid. Disintegrators commonly used in the formulations of this invention include croscarmellose, microcrystalline cellulose, corn starch, sodium starch glycolate and alginic acid.

A liquid composition will generally consist of a suspension or solution of the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt in a suitable liquid carrier(s), for example ethanol, glycerine, sorbitol, non-aqueous solvent such as polyethylene glycol, oils or water, optionally with a suspending agent, a solubilizing agent (such as a cyclodextrin), preservative, surfactant, wetting agent, flavoring or coloring agent. Alternatively, a liquid formulation can be prepared from a reconstitutable powder.

For example a powder containing active compound, suspending agent, sucrose and a sweetener can be reconstituted with water to form a suspension; and a syrup can be prepared from a powder containing active ingredient, sucrose and a sweetener.

A composition in the form of a tablet can be prepared using any suitable pharmaceutical carrier(s) routinely used for preparing solid compositions. Examples of such carriers include magnesium stearate, starch, lactose, sucrose, microcrystalline cellulose and binders, for example polyvinylpyrrolidone. The tablet can also be provided with a color film coating, or color included as part of the carrier(s). In addition, active compound can be formulated in a controlled release dosage form as a tablet comprising a hydrophilic or hydrophobic matrix.

A composition in the form of a capsule can be prepared using routine encapsulation procedures, for example by incorporation of active compound and excipients into a hard gelatin capsule. Alternatively, a semi-solid matrix of active compound and high molecular weight polyethylene glycol can be prepared and filled into a hard gelatin capsule; or a solution of active compound in polyethylene glycol or a suspension in edible oil, for example liquid paraffin or fractionated coconut oil can be prepared and filled into a soft gelatin capsule.

Tablet binders that can be included are acacia, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, poly-vinylpyrrolidone (Povidone), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sucrose, starch and ethylcellulose. Lubricants that can be used include magnesium stearate or other metallic stearates, stearic acid, silicone fluid, talc, waxes, oils and colloidal silica.

Flavoring agents such as peppermint, oil of wintergreen, cherry flavoring or the like can also be used. Additionally, it may be desirable to add a coloring agent to make the dosage form more attractive in appearance or to help identify the product.

The compounds of the invention and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts that are active when given parenterally can be formulated for intramuscular, intrathecal, or intravenous administration.

A typical composition for intramuscular or intrathecal administration will consist of a suspension or solution of active ingredient in an oil, for example arachis oil or sesame oil. A typical composition for intravenous or intrathecal administration will consist of a sterile isotonic aqueous solution containing, for example active ingredient and dextrose or sodium chloride, or a mixture of dextrose and sodium chloride. Other examples are lactated Ringer's injection, lactated Ringer's plus dextrose injection, Normosol-M and dextrose, Isolyte E, acylated Ringer's injection, and the like. Optionally, a co-solvent, for example, polyethylene glycol; a chelating agent, for example, ethylenediamine tetracetic acid; a solubilizing agent, for example, a cyclodextrin; and an anti-oxidant, for example, sodium metabisulphite, may be included in the formulation. Alternatively, the solution can be freeze dried and then reconstituted with a suitable solvent just prior to administration.

The compounds of the invention and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts which are active on rectal administration can be formulated as suppositories. A typical suppository formulation will generally consist of active ingredient with a binding and/or lubricating agent such as a gelatin or cocoa butter or other low melting vegetable or synthetic wax or fat.

The compounds of this invention and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts which are active on topical administration can be formulated as transdermal compositions or transdermal delivery devices (“patches”). Such compositions include, for example, a backing, active compound reservoir, a control membrane, liner and contact adhesive. Such transdermal patches may be used to provide continuous or discontinuous infusion of the compounds of the present invention in controlled amounts. The construction and use of transdermal patches for the delivery of pharmaceutical agents is well known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,252, issued Jun. 11, 1991. Such patches maybe constructed for continuous, pulsatile, or on demand delivery of pharmaceutical agents.

The active compound is effective over a wide dosage range and is generally administered in a therapeutically effective amount. It, will be understood, however, that the amount of the compound actually administered will be determined by a physician, in the light of the relevant circumstances, including the condition to be treated, the chosen route of administration, the actual compound administered and its relative activity, the age, weight, and response of the individual patient, the severity of the patient's symptoms, and the like.

Suitable doses are in the general range of from 0.01-100 mg/kg/day, preferably 0.1-50 mg/kg/day. For an average 70 kg human, this would amount to 0.7 mg to 7 g per day, or preferably 7 mg to 3.5 g per day.

In general, an effective amount of a compound of this invention is a dose between about 0.5 and about 100 mg/kg. A preferred dose is from about 1 to about 60 mg/kg of active compound. A typical daily dose for an adult human is from about 50 mg to about 5 g.

According to the invention, a compound can be administered in a single daily dose or in multiple doses per day. The treatment regimen may require administration over extended periods of time, for example, for several days, for from one to six weeks, or longer.

Suitable formulations for use in the present invention can be found in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mace Publishing Company, Philadelphia, Pa., 17th ed. (1985). The following non-limiting examples illustrate representative pharmaceutical compositions of the invention.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE A

This example illustrates the preparation of a representative pharmaceutical composition for oral administration of a compound of this invention:

Ingredients Quantity per tablet, (mg) Active Compound 200 Lactose, spray-dried 148 Magnesium stearate 2

The above ingredients are mixed and introduced into a hard-shell gelatin capsule.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE B

This example illustrates the preparation of another representative pharmaceutical composition for oral administration of a compound of this invention:

Ingredients Quantity per tablet, (mg) Active Compound 400 Cornstarch 50 Lactose 145 Magnesium stearate 5

The above ingredients are mixed intimately and pressed into single scored tablets.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE C

This example illustrates the preparation of a representative pharmaceutical composition for oral administration of a compound of this invention.

An oral suspension is prepared having the following composition.

Ingredients Active Compound  1.0 g Fumaric acid  0.5 g Sodium chloride  2.0 g Methyl paraben  0.1 g Granulated sugar  25.5 g Sorbitol (70% solution) 12.85 g Veegum K (Vanderbilt Co.)  1.0 g Flavoring 0.035 ml Colorings  0.5 mg Distilled water q.s. to 100 mL

FORMULATION EXAMPLE D

This example illustrates the preparation of a representative pharmaceutical composition containing a compound of this invention.

An injectable preparation buffered to a pH of 4 is prepared having the following composition:

Ingredients Active Compound 0.2 g Sodium Acetate Buffer Solution (0.4 M) 2.0 mL HC1 (1N) q.s. to pH 4 Water (distilled, sterile) q.s. to 20 mL

FORMULATION EXAMPLE E

This example illustrates the preparation of a representative pharmaceutical composition for injection of a compound of this invention.

A reconstituted solution is prepared by adding 20 mL of sterile water to 1 g of the compound of this invention. Before use, the solution is then diluted with 200 mL of an intravenous fluid that is compatible with the active compound. Such fluids are chosen from 5% dextrose solution, 0.9% sodium chloride, or a mixture of 5% dextrose and 0.9% sodium chloride. Other examples are lactated Ringer's injection, lactated Ringer's plus 5% dextrose injection, Normosol-M and 5% dextrose, Isolyte E, and acylated Ringer's injection

FORMULATION EXAMPLE F

This example illustrates the preparation of a representative pharmaceutical composition containing a compound of this invention.

An injectable preparation is prepared having the following composition:

Ingredients Active Compound 0.1-5.0 g Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin  1-25 g 5% Aqueous Dextrose Solution (sterile) q.s. to 100 mL

The above ingredients are blended and the pH is adjusted to 3.5±0.5 using 0.5 N HCl or 0.5 N NaOH.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE G

This example illustrates the preparation of a representative pharmaceutical composition for topical application of a compound of this invention.

Ingredients grams Active compound 0.2-10 Span 60 2 Tween 60 2 Mineral oil 5 Petrolatum 10 Methyl paraben 0.15 Propyl paraben 0.05 BHA (butylated hydroxy anisole) 0.01 Water q.s. to 100

All of the above ingredients, except water, are combined and heated to 60° C. with stirring. A sufficient quantity of water at 60° C. is then added with vigorous stirring to emulsify the ingredients, and water then added q.s. 100 g.

FORMULATION EXAMPLE H

This example illustrates the preparation of a representative pharmaceutical composition containing a compound of this invention.

A suppository totaling 2.5 grams is prepared having the following composition:

Ingredients Active Compound 500 mg Witepsol H-15* balance *triglycerides of saturated vegetable fatty acid; a product of Riches-Nelson, Inc., New York, N.Y.

Utility

The compounds of this invention, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, exhibit biological activity and are useful for medical treatment. The ability of a compound to block sodium channel activity or to treat neuropathic pain can be demonstrated using the tests described herein, or can be demonstrated using tests that are known in the art.

The following synthetic and biological examples are offered to illustrate the invention, and are not to be construed in any way as limiting the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES

In the examples below, the following abbreviations have the following meanings. Any abbreviations not defined have their generally accepted meaning. Unless otherwise stated, all temperatures are in degrees Celsius.

BOC, Bo = tert-butoxycarbonyl DMSO = dimethyl sulfoxide TFA = trifluoroacetic acid THF = tetrahydrofuran MgSO₄ = anhydrous magnesium sulfate

General: Starting material (including alcohols, phenols, di-ols, amines, and etc.) and solvents were purchased from commercial suppliers (Aldrich, Fluka, Sigma, and etc.), and used without further purification. Reactions were run under nitrogen atmosphere, unless noted otherwise. Progress of reaction mixtures was monitored by thin layer chromatography (TLC), analytical high performance liquid chromatography (anal. HPLC), and mass spectrometry, the details of which are given below and separately in specific examples of reactions. Reaction mixtures were worked up as described specifically in each reaction; commonly it was purified by flash column chromatography with silica gel. Other purification methods include temperature-, and solvent-dependent crystallization, and precipitation. In addition, reaction mixtures were routinely purified by preparative HPLC: a general protocol is described below. Characterization of reaction products was routinely carried out by mass and ¹H-NMR spectrometry. For NMR, samples were dissolved in deuterated solvent (CD₃OD, CDCl₃, or DMSO-d₆), and ¹H-NMR spectra were acquired with a Varian Gemini 2000 instrument (300 MHZ) under standard observe parameters. Mass spectrometric identification of compounds was performed by an electrospray ionization method (ESMS) with a Perkin Elmer instrument (PE SCIEX API 150 EX).

Analytical HPLC: Each crude compound was dissolved in 50% MeCN/H₂O (with 0.1% TFA) at 0.5-1.0 mg/mL concentration, and was analyzed by using anal. HPLC: 1) reverse-phased anal. column, Bonus-RP (2.1×50 mm; ID=5 mm); 2) flow rate: 0.5 mL/min; 3) 10% MeCN/H₂O (0.1% TFA) (0-0.5 min), 10 to 70% (linear gradient; 0.5-5 min); 4) detection: 214, 254, and 280 nm. Other conditions used are indicated whenever necessary.

A general protocol for preparative HPLC purification: Crude compounds were dissolved in 50% MeCN/H₂O (with 0.1% TFA) at 30-45 mg/mL concentration, filtered, and injected into a reversed column. The following represents a typical method selected from various purification conditions: 1) column; YMC Pack-Pro C18 (50a×20 mm; ID=5 mm); 2) linear gradient: 10 to 60% MeCN (0.1% TFA)/H₂O (0.1% TFA) over 30 min; 3) flow rate: 40 mL/min; 4) detection: 214, 254, or 280 nm.

The preparation of compound (1) is illustrated in Scheme 1.

Example 1 Preparation of Compound (1)

To a cold suspension of NaH (60% oily dispersion; 0.943 g, ˜24 mmol) in anhydrous THF (200 mL) in ice bath was added 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol (0.991 g, 9.4 mmol) under stream of nitrogen gas. The mixture was stirred for 30 min at the same temperature prior to addition of 2-fluorotoluene-chromium tricarbonyl complex ((A); 5.8 g, 23.6 mmol). The final mixture was stirred in ice bath for 3 h, and at rt for 48 h. The reaction mixture was quenched by cooling in ice bath, and followed by slow addition of iodine (23 g, 90.6 mmol) over 5 min while stirring the mixture. After the addition, the mixture was stirred for 1 h in ice bath, and treated carefully with water (10 mL) under nitrogen gas. It was then concentrated in vacuo, to afford dark brown residue, and partitioned between EtOAc (400 mL) and brine solution (200 mL). The organic phase was collected, and washed with 5% Na₂S₂O₃ (200 mL). After drying over MgSO₄, the organic solution was concentrated in vacuo, yielding pale yellow oil. It was dissolved in ˜16 mL of aqueous acetonitrile (60%) containing 5% TFA, filtered through a membrane filter, and purified by preparative reverse-phase HPLC as described above. The desired product (Compound (1)) was obtained after HPLC purification as TFA salt as thick oil (2.3 g; 61%). It was solidified slowly to pale yellow solid. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.6 min. ESMS (C₁₈H₂₃NO₂): calcd. 285.4; obsd. 286.1 [M+H]⁺.

Compound (A): (See FIG. 1) was synthesized according to literature procedures (F. Rose-Munch, E. Rose, A. Semra, L. Mignon, J. Garcia-Oricain, E. C. Knobler, J. Organometallic Chem. 1989, 363, 297-309). To a round-bottomed flask (250 mL) equipped with a reflux condenser was added nBu₂O (100 mL), tetrahydrofuran (30 mL), 2-fluorotoluene (12.3 g, 112 mmol), and chromium hexacarbonyl (10 g, 45.4 mmol). The suspension was saturated with nitrogen gas, and then stirred under nitrogen atmosphere while increasing the temperature of the reaction mixture gradually to 125° C. over 20 min. It was refluxed at the same temperature for 24 h, and cooled to rt. To the mixture was added second portion of tetrahydrofuran (20 mL). The final mixture was refluxed for another 24 h at 125° C. After cooling of the mixture to rt, white crystalline solid was precipitated. It was separated from the pale green-yellow solution by filtration through a filter paper on Buchner funnel, and rinsed with nBu₂O (100 mL). The filtrates were combined, and concentrated to dryness, yielding yellow solid as a desired product (2.3 g). It was kept in a brown bottle, and used in next step without further purification. ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD, 299.96 MHZ): d (ppm) 5.64 (br s, 1H), 5.51 (br s, 1H), 5.1 (br s, 1H), 4.86 (br s, 1H), 2.21 (br s, 3H).

The preparation of compounds (2)-(4) is illustrated in Scheme 2.

Example 2 Preparation of Compound (2)

To a cold suspension of NaH (60% oily dispersion; 83 mg, 2.1 mmol) in anhydrous THF (15 mL) in ice bath was added 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol (87 mg, 0.83 mmol) under stream of nitrogen gas. The mixture was stirred for 1 h at the same temperature prior to addition of 2-fluoro-m-xylene-chromium tricarbonyl complex ((B); 538 mg, 2.1 mmol). The final mixture was stirred in ice bath for 1 h, and at rt for 48 h. The reaction mixture was quenched by cooling in ice bath, and followed by slow addition of iodine (2.0 g, 7.9 mmol) over 5 min while stirring the mixture. After the addition, the mixture was stirred for 1 h in ice bath, and treated carefully with water (1 mL) under nitrogen gas. It was then concentrated in vacuo, to afford dark brown residue, and partitioned between EtOAc (150 mL) and brine solution (100 mL). The organic phase was collected, and washed with 5% Na₂S₂O₃ (50 mL). After drying over MgSO₄, the organic solution was concentrated in vacuo, yielding pale yellow oil. It was dissolved in ˜5 mL of aqueous acetonitrile (60%) containing 5% TFA, filtered through a membrane filter, and purified by preparative reverse-phase HPLC as described previously. The desired product (Compound (2)) was obtained as TFA salt (71 mg). Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10 to 70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.84 min. ESMS (C₂₀H₂₇NO₂): calcd. 313.4; obsd. 314.3 [M+H]⁺.

Compound (B) was prepared similarly as described for compound (A) by using nBu₂O (100 mL), tetrahydrofuran (30 mL), 2-fluoro-m-xylene (12 g, 97 mmol), and chromium hexacarbonyl (10 g, 45.4 mmol). The product was obtained as yellow solid (3.3 g). It was kept in a brown bottle, and used in next step without further purification. ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD, 299.96 MHZ): d (ppm) 5.45 (br s, 1H), 5.2 (br s, 1H), 4.88 (br s, 1H), 2.24 (br s, 6H).

Example 3 Preparation of Compound (3)

Compound 3 was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (2) using arene-chromium complex (B) and 2-amino-1,3-propanediol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.75 min. ESMS (C₁₉H₂₅NO₂): calcd. 299.4; obsd. 300.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 4 Preparation of Compound (4)

Compound (4) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (2) using arene-chromium complex (B) and (L)-threoninol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.85 min. ESMS (C₂₀H₂₇NO₂): calcd. 313.4; obsd. 314.3 [M+H]⁺.

The preparation of compounds (5)-(6) is illustrated in Scheme 3.

Example 5 Preparation of Compound (5)

To a cold solution of compound (C) (1.5 g, 6.37 mmol), 2-chloro-6-methylphenol (2.18 g, 15.3 mmol), and triphenylphosphine (4.0 g, 15.3 mmol) in anhydrous THF (50 mL) in ice bath was added diethyl azadicarboxylate (2.44 g, 14 mmol) under nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was stirred for 4 h in ice bath, and for 48 h at rt. After concentration of the mixture in vacuo, an oily residue was obtained. It was dissolved in EtOAc (200 mL), and washed with 5% NaOH and then with brine solution. The crude product was dissolved in EtOH (50 mL), and followed by addition of hydrazine monohydrate (7 mL). The final mixture was heated at 90° C. for 12 h. After cooling to rt, the mixture was filtered through a filter paper to remove white precipitate. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo, yielding oily residue. It was dissolved in 60% aqueous acetonitrile (5% TFA), and purified by preparative reverse-phase HPLC (20 to 70% MeCN/water over 30 min; 254 nm). Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.8 min. ESMS (C₁₈H₂₁Cl₂NO₂): calcd. 354.3; obsd. 353.9 [M]⁺.

Compound (C) was prepared as follows. A mixture of 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol (5 g, 47.6 mmol) and N-carboethoxyphthalimide (10.95 g, 50 mmol) in chloroform (100 mL) was heated at 75° C. for 24 h. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo, yielding colorless oily residue. It was partitioned between EtOAC (200 mL) and brine solution (200 mL). After shaking, the organic phase was dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated to oily residue. The crude product was purified by flash silica column chromatography by eluting with 50% EtOAc/hexane to 10% MeOH in 70% EtOAc/hexane. Compound (C) was obtained as white solid (9.8 g; 88%). R_(f)=0.5 (5% MeOH in 70% EtOAc/hexane). Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=1.9 min. ESMS (C₁₂H₁₃NO₄): calcd. 235.2; obsd. 236.6 [M+H]⁺, 471.7 [2M+H]⁺. ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD, 299.96 MHZ): d (ppm) 7.79-7.76 (m, 4H), 4.2-4.16 (d, 2H), 3.89-3.85 (d, 2H), 1.63 (s, 3H).

Example 6 Preparation of Compound (6)

Compound (6) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (5) using 2,4,6-trifluorophenol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.3 min. ESMS (C₁₆H₁₃F₆NO₂): calcd. 365.3; obsd. 365.9 [M+H]⁺, 731.3 [2M+H]⁺.

The preparation of compounds (7)-(9) is illustrated in Scheme 4.

Example 7 Preparation of Compound (9)

A mixture of compound (I) (500 mg, 1.68 mmol), aq. NH₃ (conc; 5 mL), and NH₄OAc (1.0 g, 13 mmol) in ethanol (50 mL) was heated at 70° C. for 1 h, and cooled to 0° C. prior to addition of sodium cyanoborohydride (158 mg, 2.5 mmol) in ice bath. After stirring for 1 h, the mixture was concentrated in vacuo, and the residue was dissolved in 50% aqueous acetonitrile (5% TFA). It was purified by preparative reverse-phase HPLC. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=4.0 min. ESMS (C₁₉H₂₅NO₂): calcd. 299.4; obsd. 300.2 [M+H]⁺, 599.5 [2M+H]⁺.

The intermediate compound (I) was prepared as follows.

a. Preparation of compound (E). Using a procedure similar to that described in Example 9, sub-part a, except replacing the 2,6-dimethylphenol used therein with 2,4-dimethylphenol, compound (E) was prepared. Rf=0.91 in hexane/EtOAc (4/1). ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD, 299.96 MHZ): d (ppm) 6.92-6.88 (m, 4H), 6.77-6.74 (d, 2H), 5.35 (s, 2H), 4.61 (m, 4H), 2.21-2.14 (two s, 12 H).

b. Preparation of compound (I). Using a procedure similar to that described in Example 9, sub-part b, except replacing the Compound (D) used therein with Compound (E), Compound (I) was prepared. ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD, 299.96 MHZ): d (ppm) 6.9-6.6 (m, 6H), 4.84 (s, 4H), 2.19-2.07 (two s, 12H).

Example 8 Preparation of Compound (8)

Compound (8) was synthesized in a similar fashion to compound (7) using compound (K). Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.58 min. ESMS (C₁₇H₂₁NO₂): calcd. 271.4; obsd. 272.0 [M+H]⁺. ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD, 299.96 MHZ): d (ppm) 7.2-7.13 (m, 4H), 7.0-6.88 (m, 4H), 4.39-4.36 (m, 4H), 4.15-4.1 (quin, 1H).

The intermediate compound (K) was prepared as follows.

a. Using a procedure similar to that described in Example 9, sub-part a, except replacing the 2,6-dimethylphenol used therein with 2-methylphenol, compound (G) was prepared. R_(f)=0.91 in hexane/EtOAc (4/1). ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD, 299.96 MHZ): d (ppm) 7.11-7.08 (m, 4H), 7.09-6.81 (m, 4H), 5.39-5.38 (m, 2H), 4.68-4.65 (m, 4H), 2.18 (s, 6H).

b. Preparation of compound (K). Using a procedure similar to that described in Example 9, sub-part b, except replacing the Compound (D) used therein with Compound (G), Compound (K) was prepared. ¹ H-NMR (CD₃OD, 299.96 MHZ): d (ppm) 7.18-7.06 (m, 4H), 6.95-6.80 (m, 4H), 4.87 (s, 4H), 2.1 (s, 6H).

Example 9 Preparation of Compound (7)

Using a procedure similar to that described in Example 7, except replacing the Compound (I) used therein with Compound (H), the title compound was prepared. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.7 min. ESMS (C₁₉H₂₅NO₂): calcd. 299.4; obsd. 300.2 [M+H]⁺, 599.2 [2M+H]⁺.

The intermediate compound (H) was prepared as follows.

a. Preparation of compound (D). To a nitrogen-saturated solution of 2,6-dimethylphenol (17.2 g, 0.14 mole) and 3-chloro-2-chloromethyl-1-propene (8.0 g, 0.064 mole) in acetone (250 mL) was added K₂CO₃ (19.46 g, 0.141 mole). The mixture was stirred and refluxed under nitrogen for 72 h. The mixture was cooled to rt, and filtered through a filter paper on Buchner funnel. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo, yielding colorless oily residue. It was purified by silica column chromatography by eluting with hexane/EtOAc (8/1). The desired product (compound (D))) was obtained as colorless oil (16.5 g; 87%). R_(f)=0.77 in hexane/EtOAc (8/1). ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD, 299.96 MHZ): d (ppm) 7.0-6.98 (d, 4H), 6.81-6.7 (dd, 2H), 5.46 (s, 2H), 4.44 (s, 4H), 2.26 (s, 12H).

b. Preparation of Compound (H). To a cold solution of compound (D) (15.5 g, 52.3 mmol) in dioxane (350 mL) was added water (60 mL) and NaIO₄ (24 g, 110 mmol) in ice bath. After stirring the mixture for 10 min, OsO4 (1 g) in tBuOH (25 mL) was added to it. The final mixture was stirred for 4 h in ice bath, and 20 h at rt. The mixture was filtered through a filter paper, and the solid residue was rinsed with EtOAc (300 mL). The filtrate was washed with brine solution (200 mL), dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated in vacuo, yielding pale brown oil. It was purified by silica column chromatography by eluting with hexane/EtOAc (9/1 to 3/1). Fractions with R_(f) of 0.71 (25% EtOAc/hexane) were collected, and concentrated to afford pale brown solid. It was crystallized using small amount of hexane at 0° C. Compound (H) was obtained as white solid in ˜40% yield (6.24 g). Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=4.9 min. ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD, 299.96 MHZ): d (ppm) 7.1-7.0 (d, 4H), 6.9-6.8 (dd, 2H), 4.75 (s, 4H), 2.27 (s, 12H).

The preparation of compounds (10)-(17) is illustrated in Scheme 5.

Example 10 Preparation of Compound (10)

A mixture of compound (M) (0.5 g, 2.82 mmol), o-cresol (0.61 g, 5.6 mmol), and BF₃Et₂O (1 mL, 7.9 mmol) in toluene (10 mL) was heated at 90° C. for 24 h. After cooling to rt, the mixture was treated with 5% TFA/50% aqueous acetonitrile (10 mL), and followed by concentration in vacuo. The resulting residue was dissolved in aqueous acetonitrile, and purified by preparative reverse HPLC. The desired product, compound (10), was obtained as TFA salt (180 mg). Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.6 min. ESMS (C₁₈H₂₃NO₂): calcd. 285.4; obsd. 286.1 [M+H]⁺, 571.3 [2M+H]⁺. ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD, 299.96 MHZ): d (ppm) 7.2-7.15 (m, 2H), 7.02-6.88 (m, 5H), 4.45-4.35 (m, 2H), 4.2-4.18 (m, 2H), 4.11-4.05 (quin, 1H), 2.28 (m, 9H).

The intermediate compound (M) was prepared as follows.

a. Preparation of compound (L). To a nitrogen-saturated, cold suspension of 2,6-dimethylphenol (20 g, 0.164 mole) in water (200 mL) in ice bath was added NaOH (7.86 g, 0.197 mole), and then followed by addition of 2-chloromethyloxirane (27.3 g, 0.295 mole). After stirring the mixture in ice bath for 1 h, it was stirred for 24 h at rt under nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was then extracted with 40% EtOAc/hexane (300 mL). The organic layer was washed with 1M NaOH (2×150 mL), dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated in vacuo, yielding pale yellow oil. It was purified by silica column chromatography by eluting with hexane/EtOAc (8/1 to 5/1). Compound (L) was obtained as colorless liquid (14.87 g, 51%). R_(f)=0.73 in hexane/EtOAc (3/1). ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD, 299.96 MHZ): d (ppm) 7.0-6.96 (d, 2H), 6.9-6.85 (dd, 1H), 4.12-4.08 (dd, 1H), 3.68-3.6 (dd, 1H), 3.35-3.3 (m, 1H), 2.88-2.82 (t, 1H), 2.7-2.65 (m, 1H), 2.25 (s, 6H).

b. Preparation of compound (M). To a cold solution of compound (L) (14.87 g, 83.4 mmol) in 2-ethoxyethanol (125 mL) and water (40 mL) in ice bath was added sodium azide (10.86 g, 166.8 mmol) and ammonium sulfate (13.23 g, 100.1 mmol). After stirring the mixture for 2 h in ice bath, it was stirred at rt for 36 h. The mixture was extracted with ether (2×300 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine solution, dried over MgSO₄, and evaporated to dryness, yielding colorless oil (17.6 g). ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD, 299.96 MHZ): d (ppm) 7.0-6.96 (d, 2H), 6.95-6.92 (t, 1H), 4.1-4.08 (m, 1H), 3.79-3.74 (m, 2H), 3.57-3.4 (m, 2H), 2.26 (s,6H).

The above product was dissolved in acetonitrile (50 mL), and then added slowly to a solution of triphenylphosphine (21.9 g, 83.5 mmol) in acetonitrile (400 mL) while being stirred. The mixture was stirred for 3 h at rt under stream of nitrogen, and then heated at 90° C. for 6 h. The mixture was cooled, concentrated in vacuo, yielding white semi-crystalline oil. It was purified by silica column chromatography by eluting with 50% EtOAc/hexane to 5% MeOH in 50% EtOAc/hexane. Compound (M) was obtained as colorless oil (8 g, 54%). Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=1.8 min. ESMS (C₁₁H₁₅NO): calcd. 177.2; obsd. 201.1 [M+Na]⁺. ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD, 299.96 MHZ): d (ppm) 7.0-6.97 (d, 2H), 6.95-6.90 (t, 1H), 3.82-3.81 (dd, 1H), 3.72-3.65 (dd, 1H), 2.45-2.4 (m, 1H), 2.27 (s, 6H), 1.9 (d, 1H), 1.75 (m, 1H).

Example 11 Preparation of Compound (11)

Compound (11) was synthesized in a similar manner to that described in Example 10, except replacing the 2,6-dimethylphenol used in sub-part a, with 2,4,6-trifluorophenol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.5 min. ESMS (C₁₇H₁₈F₃NO₂): calcd. 325.3; obsd. 326.0 [M+H]⁺, 348.2 [M+Na]⁺.

Example 12 Preparation of Compound (12)

Compound (12) was synthesized in a similar manner to that described in Example 10, except replacing the 2,6-dimethylphenol used in sub-part a with 2,6-dichlorophenol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.71 min. ESMS (C₁₇H₁₉Cl₂NO₂): calcd. 340.2; obsd. 340.1 [M]⁺.

Example 13 Preparation of Compound (13)

Compound (13) was synthesized in a similar manner to that described in Example 10, except replacing the 2,6-dimethylphenol used in sub-part a with 3-N,N-dimethylaminophenol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.1 min. ESMS (C₁₉H₂₆N₂O₂): calcd. 314.4; obsd. 315.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 14 Preparation of Compound (14)

Compound (14) was synthesized in a similar manner to that described in Example 10, except replacing the 2,6-dimethylphenol used in sub-part a with 2-isopropylphenol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.3 min. ESMS (C₂₀H₂₇NO₂): calcd. 313.4; obsd. 314.0 [M+H]⁺.

Example 15 Preparation of Compound (15)

Compound (15) was synthesized in a similar manner to that described in Example 10, except replacing the 2,6-dimethylphenol used in sub-part a with 6-hydroxyquinoline. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.2 min. ESMS (C₂₀H₂₂N₂O₂): calcd. 322.4; obsd. 323.0 [M+H]⁺.

Example 16 Preparation of Compound (16)

Compound (16) was synthesized in a similar manner to that described in Example 10, except replacing the 2,6-dimethylphenol used in sub-part a with 2-chloro-4-methylphenol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.4 min. ESMS (C₁₈H₂₂ClNO₂): calcd. 319.8; obsd. 319.9 [M]⁺.

Example 17 Preparation of Compound (17)

Compound (17) was synthesized in a similar manner to that described in Example 10, except replacing the 2,6-dimethylphenol used in sub-part a with 4-chloro-2,6-dimethylphenol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.4 min. ESMS (C₁₉H₂₄ClNO₂): calcd. 333.8; obsd. 334.2 [M+H]⁺.

The preparation of compounds (18)-(29) is illustrated in Scheme 6.

Example 18 Preparation of Compound (18)

A mixture of compound (O) (35.5 mg, 0.2 mmol), 2-chlorophenol (25.6 mg, 0.2 mmol), and BF₃Et₂O (28.4 mg, 0.2 mmol) in toluene (0.5 mL) was heated at 90° C. for 24 h. After cooling to rt, the mixture was treated with 5% TFA/50% aqueous acetonitrile (1 mL), and followed by concentration in vacuo. The resulting residue was dissolved in aqueous acetonitrile, and purified by preparative reverse HPLC. The desired product (compound (18)) was obtained as TFA salt. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.0 min. ESMS (C₁₇H₂₀ClNO₂): calcd. 305.8; obsd. 306.1 [M+H]⁺.

The intermediate compound (O) was prepared as follows.

a. Preparation of compound (N). To a nitrogen-saturated, cold suspension of o-cresol (11.28 g, 0.104 mole) in water (200 mL) in ice bath was added NaOH (5.01 g, 0.125 mole), followed by addition of 2-chloromethyl-2-methyloxirane (20.0 g, 0.188 mole). After stirring the mixture in ice bath for 1 h, it was stirred for 24 h at room temperature under nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was then extracted with 40% EtOAc/hexane (300 mL). The organic layer was washed with 1M NaOH (2×150 mL), dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated in vacuo, yielding pale yellow oil. It was purified by silica column chromatography, eluting with hexane/EtOAc (8/1 to 5/1). Compound (N) was obtained as colorless liquid (11.3 g). R_(f)=0.57 in hexane/EtOAc (5/1). Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=4.31 min. ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD, 299.96 MHZ): δ (ppm) 7.13-7.08 (m, 2H), 6.86-6.78 (m, 2H), 4.12-4.09 (d, 1H), 3.89-3.86 (d, 1H), 2.89-2.87 (d, 1H), 2.74-2.72 (d, 1H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 1.46 (s, 3H).

b. Preparation of compound (O). To a cold solution of compound (N) (11.3 g, 0.063 mol) in 2-ethoxyethanol (130 mL) and water (30 mL) in ice bath was added sodium azide (8.26 g, 0.127 mol) and ammonium sulfate (10.06 g, 0.076 mol). After stirring the mixture for 2 h in ice bath, it was stirred at rt for 36 h. The mixture was extracted with ether (2×300 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine solution, dried over MgSO₄, and evaporated to dryness, yielding colorless oil (11.13 g). ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD, 299.96 MHz): δ (ppm) 7.15-7.09 (m, 2H), 6.87-6.80 (m, 2H), 3.92-3.89 (d, 1H), 3.79-3.76 (d, 1H), 3.43-3.42 (m, 2H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 1.33 (s, 3H). Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=4.5 min. The above product was dissolved in acetonitrile (100 mL), and then added slowly to a solution of triphenylphosphine (13.85 g, 0.053 mol) in acetonitrile (100 mL) while being stirred. The mixture was stirred for 3 hours at room temperature under stream of nitrogen, and then heated at 90° C. for 6 h. The mixture was cooled, add concentrated in vacuo, yielding white semi-crystalline oil. It was purified by silica column chromatography by eluting with 50% EtOAc/hexane to 5% MeOH in 50% EtOAc/hexane. Compound (0) was obtained as colorless oil (4.7 g). Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=1.85 min. ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD, 299.96 MHz): δ (ppm) 7.13-7.10 (m, 2H), 6.84-6.78 (m, 2H), 3.97-3.94 (d, 1H), 3.81-3.78 (d, 1H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 1.83 (s, 1H), 1.68 (s, 1H), 1.40 (s, 3H). ESMS (C₁₁H₁₅NO): calcd. 177.2; obsd. 223 [M+Na]⁺.

Example 19 Preparation of Compound (19)

Compound (19) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 2,6-dimethoxyphenol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.9 min. ESMS (C₁₉H₂₅NO₄): calcd. 331.4; obsd. 332.1 [M+H]⁺.

Example 20 Preparation of Compound (20)

Compound (20) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 2-isopropylphenol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.3 min. ESMS (C₂₀H₂₇NO₂): calcd. 313.4; obsd. 314.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 21 Preparation of Compound (21)

Compound (21) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 3-chloro-5-hydroxypyridine and DMF as a solvent. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.5 min. ESMS (C₁₆H₁₉ClN₂O₂): calcd. 306.8; obsd. 307.0 [M+H]⁺.

Example 22 Preparation of Compound (22)

Compound (22) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 2-methoxyphenol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.9 min. ESMS (C₁₈H₂₃NO₃): calcd. 301.4; obsd. 302.1 [M+H]⁺.

Example 23 Preparation of Compound (23)

Compound (23) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 2-trifluoromethylphenol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.1 min. ESMS (C₁₈H₂₀F₃NO₂): calcd. 339.4; obsd. 340.1 [M+H]⁺.

Example 24 Preparation of Compound (24)

Compound (24) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 2-cyanophenol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.9 min. ESMS (C₁₈H₂₀N₂O₂): calcd. 296.4; obsd. 297.1 [M+H]⁺.

Example 25 Preparation of Compound (25)

Compound (25) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 6-methyl-3-hydroxypyridine and DMF as a solvent. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=1.6 min. ESMS (C₁₇H₂₂N₂O₂): calcd. 286.4; obsd. 287.1 [M+H]⁺.

Example 26 Preparation of Compound (26)

Compound (26) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 1-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalene. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=xx min. ESMS (C₂₁H₂₇NO₂): calcd. 325.5; obsd. 326.1 [M+H]⁺.

Example 27 Preparation of Compound (27)

Compound (27) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 6-hydroxyquinoline. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.7 min. ESMS (C₂₀H₂₂N₂O₂): calcd. 322.4; obsd. 323.0 [M+H]⁺.

Example 28 Preparation of Compound (28)

Compound (28) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.5 min. ESMS (C₁₉H₁₉F₆NO₂): calcd. 407.4; obsd. 408.1 [M+H]⁺.

Example 29 Preparation of Compound (29)

Compound (29) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 2-methoxy-4-cyanophenol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.7 min. ESMS (C₁₉H₂₂N₂O₃): calcd. 326.4; obsd. 327.1 [M+H]⁺.

Compounds (30) to (46) were synthesized from compound (M) using a procedure similar to that described in Example 18 by replacing the 2-chlorophenol used therein with the requisite heterocycle or alcohol. The preparation of compounds (30)-(46) is illustrated in Scheme 7.

Example 30 Preparation of Compound (30)

Compound (30) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using imidazole and DMF as a solvent. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.47 min. ESMS (C₁₄H₁₉N₃O): calcd. 245.3; obsd. 245.8 [M]⁺.

Example 31 Preparation of Compound (31)

Compound (31) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 3,5-dimethylpyrazole. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.7 min. ESMS (C₁₆H₂₃N₃O): calcd. 273.3; obsd. 274.0 [M+H]⁺.

Example 32 Preparation of Compound (32)

Compound (32) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 2-phenylimidazole and DMF as a solvent. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.7 min. ESMS (C₂₀H₂₃N₃O): calcd. 321.4; obsd. 322.1 [M+H]⁺.

Example 33 Preparation of Compound (33)

Compound (33) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 2-ethylimidazole. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=1.9 min. ESMS (C₁₆H₂₃N₃O): calcd. 273.4; obsd. 274.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 34 Preparation of Compound (34)

Compound (34) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 4-phenylimidazole and DMF as a solvent. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.5 min. ESMS (C₂₀H₂₃N₃O): calcd. 321.4; obsd. 322.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 35 Preparation of Compound (35)

Compound (35) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using benzimidazole and DMF as a solvent. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.3 min. ESMS (C₁₈H₂₁N₃O): calcd. 295.4; obsd. 296.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 36 Preparation of Compound (36)

Compound (36) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 4-methylcarboxyimidazole. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.3 min. ESMS (C₁₆H₂₁N₃O₃): calcd. 3030.4; obsd. 304.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 37 Preparation of Compound (37)

Compound (37) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using hydroxymethylcyclopentane. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.4 min. ESMS (C₁₇H₂₇NO₂): calcd. 277.4; obsd. 279.1 [M+H]⁺.

Example 38 Preparation of Compound (38)

Compound (38) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 3-N,N-dimethylamino-1-propanol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=1.3 min. ESMS (C₁₆H₂₈N₂O₂): calcd. 280.4; obsd. 281.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 39 Preparation of Compound (39)

Compound (39) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using t-butanol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.3 min. ESMS (C₁₅H₂₅NO₂): calcd. 251.4; obsd. 251.2 [M]⁺.

Example 40 Preparation of Compound (40)

Compound (40) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 1-hydroxymethyl-2-phenylbenzene and DMF as a solvent. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.3 min. ESMS (C₂₄H₂₇NO₂): calcd. 361.5; obsd. 383.2 [M+Na]⁺.

Example 41 Preparation of Compound (41)

Compound (41) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 4-butyloxybenzyl alcohol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.4 min. ESMS (C₂₂H₃₁NO₃): calcd. 357.5; obsd. 358.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 42 Preparation of Compound (42)

Compound (42) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)thiofuran. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.6 min. ESMS (C₁₇H₂₃NO₂S): calcd. 305.4; obsd. 306.0 [M+H]⁺.

Example 43 Preparation of Compound (43)

Compound (43) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 3-ethoxy-1-propanol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.7 min. ESMS (C₁₆H₂₇NO₃): calcd. 281.4; obsd. 282.1 [M+H]⁺.

Example 44 Preparation of Compound (44)

Compound (44) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 3-hydroxypropylbenzene. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.4 min. ESMS (C₂₀H₂₇NO₂): calcd. 313.4; obsd. 314.0 [M+H]⁺.

Example 45 Preparation of Compound (45)

Compound (45) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 1-(N,N-dimethylamino)-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)benzene. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.0 min. ESMS (C₂₁H₃₁N₂O₂): calcd. 342.5; obsd. 343.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 46 Preparation of Compound (46)

Compound (46) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (18) using 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)pyridine and DMF as a solvent. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=1.7 min. ESMS (C₁₈H₂₄N₂O₂): calcd. 300.4; obsd. 301.2 [M+H]⁺.

Compound (47) to (73) were synthesized from compound (O) according to the procedures described in Scheme 6 with respective nucleophiles (alcohol or heterocycle).

The preparation of compounds (47)-(62) is illustrated in Scheme 8.

Example 47 Preparation of Compound (47)

A mixture of compound (O) (35.5 mg, 0.2 mmol), 3,5-dimethylpyrazole (19.2 mg, 0.2 mmol), and BF₃Et₂O (28.4 mg, 0.2 mmol) in toluene (0.5 mL) was heated at 90° C. for 24 h. After cooling to rt, the mixture was treated with 5% TFA/50% aqueous acetonitrile (1 mL), and followed by concentration in vacuo. The resulting residue was dissolved in aqueous acetonitrile, and purified by preparative reverse HPLC. The desired product (47) was obtained as TFA salt. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.5 min. ESMS (C₁₆H₂₃N₃O): calcd. 273.4; obsd. 274.1 [M]⁺.

Example 48 Preparation of Compound (48)

Compound (48) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using 2-phenylimidazole and DMF as a solvent. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.2 min. ESMS (C₂₀H₂₃N₃O): calcd. 321.4; obsd. 322.1 [M+H]⁺.

Example 49 Preparation of Compound (49)

Compound (49) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using 2-ethylimidazole. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=1.9 min. ESMS (C₁₆H₂₃N₃O₁): calcd. 273.4; obsd. 274.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 50 Preparation of Compound (50)

Compound (50) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=1.95 min. ESMS (C₁₇H₂₅N₃O): calcd. 287.4; obsd. 288.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 51 Preparation of Compound (51)

Compound (51) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using 4-phenylimidazole and DMF as a solvent. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.3 min. ESMS (C₂₀H₂₃N₃O): calcd. 321.4; obsd. 322.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 52 Preparation of Compound (52)

Compound (52) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using benzimidazole and DMF as a solvent. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.0 min. ESMS (C₁₈H₂₁N₃O): calcd. 295.4; obsd. 296.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 53 Preparation of Compound (53)

Compound (53) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using 4-methylcarboxyimidazole. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.0 min. ESMS (C₁₆H₂₁N₃O₃): calcd. 3030.4; obsd. 304.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 54 Preparation of Compound (54)

Compound (54) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using 3-ethoxy-1-propanol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.6 min. ESMS (C₁₆H₂₇NO₃): calcd. 281.4; obsd. 282.1 [M+H]⁺.

Example 55 Preparation of Compound (55)

Compound (55) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using 3-hydroxypropylbenzene. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.3 min. ESMS (C₂₀H₂₇NO₂): calcd. 313.4; obsd. 314.0 [M+H]⁺.

Example 56 Preparation of Compound (56)

Compound (56) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using n-pentanol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H2O over 4 min)=3.1 min. ESMS (C₁₆H₂₇NO₂): calcd. 265.4; obsd. 266.1 [M+H]⁺.

Example 57 Preparation of Compound (57)

Compound (57) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using t-butanol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.7 min. ESMS (C₁₅H₂₅NO₂): calcd. 251.4; obsd. 251.2 [M]⁺.

Example 58 Preparation of Compound (58)

Compound (58) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using benzyl alcohol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.9 min. ESMS (C₁₈H₂₃NO₂): calcd. 285.4; obsd. 286.1 [M+H]⁺.

Example 59 Preparation of Compound (59)

Compound (59) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using 3.5-dichlorophenol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂0 over 4 min)=3.4 min. ESMS (C₁₈H₂₁Cl₂NO₂): calcd. 354.3; obsd. 354.1 [M]⁺.

Example 60 Preparation of Compound (60)

Compound (60) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using 4-butyloxybenzyl alcohol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.5 min. ESMS (C₂₂H₃₁NO₃): calcd. 357.5; obsd. 358.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 61 Preparation of Compound (61)

Compound (61) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using hydroxymethylcyclopentane. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.1 min. ESMS (C₁₇H₂₇NO₂): calcd. 277.4; obsd. 279.1 [M+H]⁺.

Example 62 Preparation of Compound (62)

Compound (62) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using 2-(phenoxy)ethanol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.0 min. ESMS (C₁₉H₂₅NO₃): calcd. 315.4; obsd. 316.1 [M+H]⁺.

The preparation of compounds (63)-(73) is illustrated in Scheme 9.

Example 63 Preparation of Compound (63)

Compound (63) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using 4-methylbenzyl alcohol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.2 min. ESMS (C₁₉H₂₅NO₂): calcd. 299.4; obsd. 300.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 64 Preparation of Compound (64)

Compound (64) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)thiofuran. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.1 min. ESMS (C₁₇H₂₃NO₂S): calcd. 305.4; obsd. 306.0 [M+H]⁺.

Example 65 Preparation of Compound (65)

Compound (65) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using 3-oxa-6-(6-methyl-2-pyridiyl)-1-hexanol and DMF as a solvent. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.1 min. ESMS (C₂₂H₃₂N₂O₃): calcd. 372.5; obsd. 374.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 66 Preparation of Compound (66)

Compound (66) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using 2-ethoxyethanol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.5 min. ESMS (C₁₅H₂₅NO₃): calcd. 267.4; obsd. 268.1 [M+H]⁺.

Example 67 Preparation of Compound (67)

Compound (67) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using diethylene glycol monoethyl ether. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.5 min. ESMS (C₁₇H₂₉NO₄): calcd. 311.4; obsd. 312.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 68 Preparation of Compound (68)

Compound (68) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using piperonyl alcohol. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.0 min. ESMS (C₁₉H₂₃NO₄): calcd. 329.4; obsd. 330.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 69 Preparation of Compound (69)

Compound (69) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using 3-(3-hydroxypropyl)pyridine and DMF as a solvent. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=1.6 min. ESMS (C₁₉H₂₆N₂O₂): calcd. 314.4; obsd. 315.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 70 Preparation of Compound (70)

Compound (70) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using 1-(N,N-dimethylamino)-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)benzene. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=2.2 min. ESMS (C₂₁H₃₁N₂O₂): calcd. 342.5; obsd. 343.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 71 Preparation of Compound (71)

Compound (71) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using 1-methoxy-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)benzene. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.0 min. ESMS (C₂₀H₂₇NO₃): calcd. 329.4; obsd. 330.1 [M+H]⁺.

Example 72 Preparation of Compound (72)

Compound (72) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using 4-methyl-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)benzene. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.2 min. ESMS (C₂₀H₂₇NO₂): calcd. 313.4; obsd. 314.1 [M+H]⁺.

Example 73 Preparation of Compound (73)

Compound (73) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (47) using 1,3-dihydroxypropane monobenzyl ether. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 5-75% MeCN/H₂O over 4 min)=3.2 min. ESMS (C₂₁H₂₉NO₃): calcd. 343.5; obsd. 344.2 [M+H]⁺.

The preparation of compounds (74)-(80) is illustrated in Scheme 10.

Example 74 Preparation of Compound (74)

To a solution of compound (H) (0.6 g, 2.0 mmol, Example 9 sub-part b) and N-(2-aminoethyl)morpholine (0.393 g, 3.0 mmol) in EtOH (50 mL) was added Ti(i-OPr)₄ (1.14 g, 4.0 mmol). The mixture was heated at 55° C. for 1 h, and cooled to 0° C. prior to addition of NaCNBH₃ (152 mg, 2.42 mmol) and acetic acid (0.5 mL). After stirring for 1 h at the same temperature, the mixture was concentrated in vacuo, yielding oily residue. It was partitioned between EtOAc (100 mL) and 1.0 M NaOH (50 mL). After shaking, the two mixed layers were filtered through Buchner funnel, and allowed to stand in a separatory funnel. The organic layer was separated, dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated in vacuo, yielding oily residue. It was dissolved in 50% aqueous acetonitrile (5% TFA), and purified by preparative HPLC. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.3 min. ESMS (C₂₅H₃₆N₂O₃): calcd. 412.6; obsd. 413.1 [M+H]⁺.

Example 75 Preparation of Compound (75)

Compound (75) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (74) using N-(2-aminoethyl)pyrrolidine. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.23 min. ESMS (C₂₅H₃₆N₂O₂): calcd. 396.6; obsd. 397.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 76 Preparation of Compound (76)

Compound (76) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (74) using 4-aminomethylpiperidine. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.1 min. ESMS (C₂₅H₃₆N₂O₂): calcd. 396.6; obsd. 397.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 77 Preparation of Compound (77)

Compound (77) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (74) using N,N-dimethyl-1,3-diaminopropane. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.1 min. ESMS (C₂₄H₃₆N₂O₂): calcd. 384.6; obsd. 384.9 [M]⁺.

Example 78 Preparation of Compound (78)

Compound (78) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (74) using N-methyl-2(2-aminoethyl)pyrrolidine. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.1 min. ESMS (C₂₆H₃₈N₂O₂): calcd. 410.6; obsd. 411.3 [M+H]⁺.

Example 79 Preparation of Compound (79)

Compound (79) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (74) using 4-(2-aminoethyl)pyridine. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.1 min. ESMS (C₂₆H₃₂N₂O₂): calcd. 404.6; obsd. 405.0 [M+H]⁺.

Example 80 Preparation of Compound (80)

Compound (80) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (74) using N-(3-aminopropyl)pyrrolidine. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.2 min. ESMS (C₂₆H₃₈N₂O₂): calcd. 410.6; obsd. 411.3 [M+H]⁺.

The preparation of compounds (81)-(84) is illustrated in Scheme 11.

Example 81 Preparation of Compound (81)

A solution of compound (J) (0.5 g, 1.48 mmol) and N-(2-aminoethyl)-morpholine (0.29 g, 2.22 mmol) in toluene (20 mL) was heated at 80° C. for 1 h, and cooled to 0° C. prior to addition of NaCNBH₃ (112 mg, 1.78 mmol) and MeOH (10 mL). After stirring for 1 h at the same temperature, the reaction was quenched by adding AcOH (2 mL). The mixture was stirred for 5 min, and concentrated in vacuo, yielding oily residue. It was dissolved in 50% aqueous acetonitrile (5% TFA), and purified by preparative HPLC. The desired product was obtained as TFA salt (240 mg). Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.3 min. ESMS (C₂₃H₃₀Cl₂N₂O₃): calcd. 453.4; obsd. 453.0 [M]⁺.

The intermediate compound (J) was prepared as follows, as illustrated in Scheme 4.

a. Using a procedure similar to that described in Example 9, sub-part a, except replacing the 2,6-dimethylphenol used therein with 2-chloro-6-methylphenol, compound (F) was prepared. R_(f)=0.91 in hexane/EtOAc (4/1). ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD, 299.96 MHZ): d (ppm) 7.22-7.20 (dd, 2H), 7.18-7.12 (dd, 12H), 7.01-6.98 (t, 2H), 5.49 (s, 2H), 4.6 (s, 4H), 2.31 (s, 6H).

b. Preparation of compound (J). Using a procedure similar to that described in Example 9, sub-part b, except replacing the Compound (D) used therein with Compound (F), Compound (J) was prepared. ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD, 299.96 MHZ): d (ppm) 7.28-7.25 (dd, 2H), 7.2-7.15 (dd, 2H), 7.08-7.0 (t, 2H), 4.88 (s, 4H), 2.33 (s, 6H).

Example 82 Preparation of Compound (82)

Compound (82) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (81) using N,N-dimethyl-1,3-diaminopropane. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.1 min. ESMS (C₂₂H₃₀Cl₂N₂O₂): calcd. 425.4; obsd. 425.1 [M]⁺.

Example 83 Preparation of Compound (83)

Compound (83) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (81) using N-(2-aminoethyl)pyrrolidine. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.3 min. ESMS (C₂₃H₃₀Cl₂N₂O₂): calcd. 437.4; obsd. 437.1 [M]⁺.

Example 84 Preparation of Compound (84)

Compound (84) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (81) using N-methyl-2-(2-aminoethyl)pyrrolidine. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.2 min. ESMS (C₂₄H₃₂Cl₂N₂O₂): calcd. 451.4; obsd. 451.2 [M]⁺.

The preparation of compounds (85)-(91) is illustrated in Scheme 12.

Example 85 Preparation of Compound (85)

A solution of compound (K) (0.4 g, 1.48 mmol, Example 8, sub-part b) and 4-aminomethylpiperidine (0.24 g, 2.1 mmol) in toluene (20 mL) was heated at 80° C. for 1 h, and cooled to 0° C. prior to addition of NaCNBH₃ (105 mg, 1.67 mmol) and MeOH (10 mL). After stirring for 1 h at the same temperature, the reaction was quenched by adding AcOH (2 mL). The mixture was stirred for 5 min, and concentrated in vacuo, yielding oily residue. It was dissolved in 50% aqueous acetonitrile (5% TFA), and purified by preparative HPLC. The desired product was obtained as TFA salt (310 mg). Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=2.95 min. ESMS (C₂₃H₃₂N₂O₂): calcd. 368.5; obsd. 368.9 [M]⁺.

Example 86 Preparation of Compound (86)

Compound (86) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (85) using N-(2-aminoethyl)morpholine. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.05 min. ESMS (C₂₃H₃₂N₂O₃): calcd. 384.5; obsd. 385.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 87 Preparation of Compound (87)

Compound (87) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (85) using 4-(2-aminoethyl)pyridine. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=2.95 min. ESMS (C₂₄H₂₈N₂O₂): calcd. 376.5; obsd. 377.1 [M+H]⁺.

Example 88 Preparation of Compound (88)

Compound (88) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (85) using N-(2-aminoethyl)pyrrolidine. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.1 min. ESMS (C₂₃H₃₂N₂O₂): calcd. 368.5; obsd. 368.9 [M]⁺.

Example 89 Preparation of Compound (89)

Compound (89) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (85) using N-methyl-2-(2-aminoethyl)pyrrolidine. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.0 min. ESMS (C₂₄H₃₄N₂O₂): calcd. 382.5; obsd. 383.1 [M+H]⁺.

Example 90 Preparation of Compound (90)

Compound (90) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (85) using 2-aminomethylpyridine. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.95 min. ESMS (C₂₃H₂₆N₂O₂): calcd. 362.5; obsd. 363.2 [M+H]⁺.

Example 91 Preparation of Compound (91)

Compound (91) was synthesized in a similar manner to compound (85) using N,N-dimethyl-1,3-diaminopropane. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=2.9 min. ESMS (C₂₂H₃₂N₂O₂): calcd. 356.5; obsd. 357.2 [M+H]⁺.

The preparation of compound (92) is illustrated in Scheme 13.

Example 92 Preparation of Compound (92)

To a solution of 2-methyl-2-(2′-methylphenyloxymethyl)aziridine (200 mg, 1.13 mmole) and 5,5-diphenylhydantoin (310 mg, 1.13 mmole) in DMF (2 mL) was added conc. HCl (0.04 mL). The reaction mixture was shaken and heated at 70° C. for 12 h. It was worked up by concentration in vacuo, and the residue was purified by preparative reversed-phase HPLC to afford AMI 14762. Retention time (anal. HPLC: 10-70% MeCN/H₂O over 5 min)=3.56 min. ESMS (C₂₆H₂₇N₃O₃): calcd. 429.51; obsd. 430.3 [M+H]⁺.

Example 93 Determination of Sodium Channel Activity

A. Measurement of Sodium Channel Activity in Neonatal Rat Cerebellar Granule Neurons

1. Primary Culture of Rat Cerebellar Granule Neurons:

Primary cultures of cerebellar granule neurons were prepared as described by Gallo et al., J. Neurochem., 54, 1619-25 (1990). Cerebella were dissected from 7 to 8 day-old Sprague-Dawley rats and cut into pieces using a McIlwain tissue chopper. Tissue pieces were incubated with 0.025% trypsin in Hanks Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) for 10 min at 25° C. Following enzyme treatment, the tissue pieces were resuspended in HBSS buffer containing 1.25 mg/ml soybean trypsin inhibitor and 0.006% DNase and dissociated mechanically by trituration with a fire-polished glass pipette. The cell suspension then was centrifuged at 1000 g for 5 minutes, the supernatant discarded and the pellet resuspended in DMEM/F12 supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 30 mM glucose, 25 mM KCl, 2 mM glutamine, N2 supplement and penicillin (20 U/ml)-streptomycin (20 mg/ml). Cells were plated in 96-well poly-D-lysine-coated black wall-clear bottom culture plates at a concentration of 1-2×10⁵ cells/well. Cells were maintained at 37° C. in an atmosphere containing 5% CO₂. After 18-24 hours, cytosine arabinoside (10 μM final concentration) was added, to inhibit replication of non-neuronal cells.

All experiments were performed using cultures maintained for 4-6 days in vitro (4-6 DIC). In general, the compounds of the invention demonstrated activity in this test.

B. Analysis of Sodium Channel Activity in Rat Cerebellar Granule Neurons Using the Fluorescent Imaging Plate Reader (FLIPR):

To measure sodium channel activity, veratridine-evoked increases in intracellular CA²⁺([Ca²⁺]_(i)) in fluo-3/AM loaded cerebellar granule neurons were monitored, in real-time, using the FLIPR (Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, Calif.). Cerebellar granule neurons, at 4-6 DIC, were incubated with 4 μM fluo-3/AM in DMEM/F12 medium containing 0.04% pluronic acid for 1-2 hours at 37° C. The neurons then were washed three times with HBSS. The plates were transferred to the FLIPR and the cells incubated for 5 minutes in HBSS, in the absence (control) or presence of antagonist, prior to addition of veratridine (30 μM). Cell fluorescence (λ_(Ex)=488 nm; λ_(EX)=540 nm) was monitored both before and after the addition of veratridine. Peak fluorescence intensity, after veratridine addition, was determined using the FLIPR software. Curve fitting and parameter estimation (plC₅₀) were performed using GraphPad. Stock solutions (10 mM) of compounds were made in 100% DMSO.

In general, compounds of the invention have an IC₅₀ of less than 100 μM in this assay, which demonstrates their activity as sodium channel blocking agents. Sodium channel blocking agents have been demonstrated to be clinically effective as local anesthetics, antiarrhythmics and anticonvulsants, and in the treatment of many types of chronic, in particular, neuropathic pain. (See, for example, Hunter J. C. and Loughhead D., Curr. Opin. Invest. Drugs 1999, 1, 72-81.) Sodium channel blockers/modulators also provide neuroprotection and are useful in treatment of migraine (Denyer et al. Drug Discovery Today, 1998, 3, 323-332.) Compounds of the invention, therefore, are expected to have efficacy for treating neuropathic pain or other diseases or conditions associated with sodium channel activity.

Example 94 In Vivo Pain Model

The ability of an agent or a combination of agents to treat pain can be determined using known pharmacological models (for example see Kim, S. H. and Chung, J. M., Pain, 1992, 50, 355-363), or using models that are similar to known models.

Male Sprague-Dawley rats (120-180 g, Harlan, Indianapolis, Ind.) are pre-screened to determine their baseline 50% withdrawal threshold using a set of von Frey filaments. The 50% withdrawal threshold for mechanical stimulation to the hind paw is determined by the up-down method described by Dixon W. J., Ann. Rev. Pharmacol. Toxicol., 1980, 20, 441-462.

Briefly, 8 von Frey filaments with approximately equal logarithmic incremental (0.22) bending forces are chosen (von Frey numbers: 3.65, 3.87, 4.10, 4.31, 4.52, 4.74, 4.92, and 5.16; equivalent to: 0.45, 0.74, 1.26, 2.04, 3.31, 5.50, 8.32, and 14.45 g). A von Frey filament is applied perpendicularly to the plantar surface with sufficient force to bend it slightly and held for 3-5 seconds. An abrupt withdrawal of the foot during stimulation or immediately after the removal of stimulus is considered a positive response.

Whenever there is a positive or negative response, the next weaker or stronger filament is applied, respectively. The test is continued until six stimuli after the first change in response has been obtained. The pattern of positive and negative responses is converted into a 50% threshold value using the following formula: 50% threshold=10{circumflex over ( )}(X+kd)/10{circumflex over ( )}4, where X=the value of the final von Frey filament used (in log units), k=the tabular value for the pattern of positive/negative responses [obtained from Dixon], and d=the mean difference between stimuli in log units (0.22). In the cases where continuous positive or negative responses are observed all the way out to the end of the stimulus spectrum, values of 0.3 g or 15.0 g are assigned, respectively. For ED₅₀ calculations, a linear regression is determined for responses one either side of the 50% reversal and then an approximation is determined based upon the value which intersects the 50% point.

After pre-screening, rats which display a 50% withdrawal threshold greater than 8 g are acceptable for surgery. The spinal nerve ligation (SNL) surgery is carried out as follows. Rats are anesthetized with inhaled Isoflurance and the left L5 and L6 spinal nerves are tightly ligated with 6-0 silk thread. Postoperatively, rats are placed under a heat lamp until motor function returns and then single-housed. At 5-7 days post surgery, rats are re-tested to determine their post-surgery 50% withdrawal threshold. Rats which consistently display (2 or more days) a 50% withdrawal threshold less than 4.5 g are considered acceptable for compound investigation.

Experimental studies typically involve one or more therapeutic compounds, a standard (control), and a vehicle group. Compounds are formulated in saline for injection and pH adjusted with dilute sodium hydroxide. Groups sizes are normally 5 or 6 rats. For routine screening of compounds, a single dose is used (normally 30 mg/kg) and the compound is administered intraperitoneally (typically 2-4 ml/kg). At 1, 3, and 6 hours post administration, the 50% withdrawal threshold is determined by an investigator who is blinded to the treatment groups. If at 6 hours, some prolonged activity is present, i.e., 50% withdrawal thresholds greater than 8 g, then later timepoints may be attempted (normally at 12 and 24 hours). Compounds can also be administered orally to determine oral activity.

Compounds 1-6, 8, 11, and 79 were tested in this model at an intraperitoneal dose of approximately 30 mg/kg. Results for compound 1 demonstrated effectiveness for treating pain; compounds 3, 5, and 11 showed some activity and compounds 2, 4, 6, 8, and 79 were not active in this model at the tested dose.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process step or steps, to the objective, spirit and scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims appended hereto. Additionally, all publications, patents, and patent documents cited hereinabove are incorporated by reference herein in fall, as though individually incorporated by reference. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of formula (I): R₁—o—R₂—X—R₃  (I) wherein: R₁ is aryl;

R₂ is a group of formula (II): wherein A₁, A₂, and A₂₀ are each independently alkylene or substituted alkylene; n is 0; R₇ is hydrogen, alkyl, or substituted alkyl; R₈ is NR₁₀R₁₁, wherein each of R₁₀ and R₁₁ is independently hydrogen, alkyl, or substituted alkyl; and X is oxygen and R₃ is aryl; wherein any aryl of R₁-R₃ can optionally be substituted with from 1 to 5 substituents R₈; wherein each R₈ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, alkyl, substituted alkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkoxy, substituted cycloalkoxy, methanediol, ethanediol, cycloalkyl, substituted alkyl, substituted alkoxy, substituted cycloalkyl, amino, substituted amino, aryl, aryloxy, carboxy, carboxylalkyl, carboxyl(substituted alkyl), cyano, halo, nitro, and trihalomethyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 2. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₁ is aryl optionally substituted with one or more halo or alkyl.
 3. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₁ is 2-methylphenyl, 2-chloro-6-methylphenyl, 2,4,6-trifluorophenyl, 2,6-dimethylphenyl, or 2,4-dimethylphenyl.
 4. The compound of claim 1 wherein A₁ is methylene or 1,1-ethanediyl, and A₂ is methylene.
 5. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₇ is hydrogen or methyl.
 6. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₈ is amino.
 7. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₈ is NR₁₀R₁₁; and R₁₁ is alkyl.
 8. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₈ is NR₁₀R₁₁; R₁₀ is hydrogen; and R₁₁ is 3-(N,N-dimethylamino)propyl.
 9. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₂ is a group of the formula:


10. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₃ is 3,5-dichlorophenyl, 2-methylphenyl, 2-chloro-6-methylphenyl, 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, 2,6-dimethylphenyl, or 2,4-dimethylphenyl.
 11. The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of 1,3-bis(2-methylphenoxy)-2-methyl-2-aminopropane, 1,3-bis(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)-2-methyl-2-aminopropane, 1,3-bis(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)-2-aminopropane, 1,3-bis(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)-(R)-2-methyl-(R)-2-aminopropane, 1,3-bis(2-chloro-6-methylphenoxy)-2-methyl-2-aminopropane, 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trifluorophenoxy)-2-methyl-2-aminopropane, 1,3-bis(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)-2-aminopropane, 1,3-bis(2-methylphenoxy)-2-aminopropane, 1,3-bis(2,4-dimethylphenoxy)-2-aminopropane, 1,3-bis(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)-2-[3-(N,N-dimethylamino)propyl]aminopropane, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 12. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as described in claim 1; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 13. A method of treating a disease or condition associated with sodium channel activity in a mammal, comprising administering to the mammal, a therapeutically effective amount of a compound as described in claim
 1. 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the disease or condition is neuropathic pain.
 15. A method of treating a disease or condition associated with sodium channel activity in a mammal, comprising administering to the mammal, a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of claim
 12. 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the disease or condition is neuropathic pain. 